Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble

Read Time:2 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Tragedy of Macbeth
–

Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Year Released: 2021
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director: Joel Coen
Writer: Joel Coen, William Shakespeare (based on the play by)
Cast: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Alex Hassell
Where To Watch: Apple+

First and foremost, a bit shoutout to Apple+ for giving me access to their screener site. Another massive step in my journey to becoming everything I’ve dreamed of when it comes to being a reviewer. I’m excited about their upcoming film “Cha Cha Real Smooth” make sure to keep an eye out for that review when it becomes available.

I’m going to be as blunt as possible about this; this is a film for those who value the look and feel of a movie over the content. I don’t mean any disrespect by that statement; I just want it put out there that this is not a film for everyone. Only twenty minutes in, and I was ready to write it off entirely. Thankfully as the movie progressed, I became more engrossed in it and grew to appreciate it far more than I thought I would.

This is not a mainstream film for moviegoers in general. It’s pretty much the definition of a “high art” film; it's shot in black and white, the dialogue is Shakespearean English. The scenes are created so that they feel self-contained (almost as though it is a stage play at times.) I don’t see a lot of crossover appeal from someone having watched the newest Marvel film (not that there’s anything wrong with those!)

Both Denzel Washington (Macbeth) and Frances McDormand (Lady Macbeth) did a fantastic job. They are cast perfectly in these demanding roles; Shakespeare (especially Macbeth) is pretty hard to do and do well. One of my favorite Shakespeare interpretations is Baz Lurhmann’s 1996 “Romeo + Juliet” I love that he modernized it yet kept faithful to the original in many ways.

I am bummed that I didn't see this one on the big screen. If ever there was a film created to be seen that way (that isn’t a CGI blockbuster), it's this one. There aren’t many 100% no-brainer locks in the Oscars, but if this film doesn’t win for Best Production Design, I will be shocked beyond compare.

For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about all things movies.